4/19/08
Check out the new pics on the "From Ronnie’s Friends" images page! Thanks, Mark Bowman!
12/13/06
From the December 2006 issue of UNCUT (Dylan cover), here’s a celebrity question about Ronnie Lane
from Tim Burgess of The Charlatans (U.K.)posed to Mr. Rod Stewart, and Rod's reply...
11/16/06
Here’s a review of the Passing Show and Just For A Moment from the Hollywood Reporter!
10/9/06
This is the press release announcing the CD release of "Just For A Moment," which will be released November 14th!
Ronnie Lane is almost a household name in England, but there’s never been an American CD release of any of his five original British albums, nor has there been any kind of comprehensive retrospective of his solo career. This release is the first authorized American release of Ronnie’s solo catalog, and is intended to establish Lane's reputation here as one of the all-time great songwriters and storytellers.
Ronnie Lane founded two of England’s most beloved bands, Small Faces (Lane, Steve Marriott, Ian McLagan, Kenney Jones, 1965-1969) and The Faces (Lane, McLagan, Jones, Ron Wood, Rod Stewart, 1969-1974), co-writing songs like "Itchycoo Park" and "Ooh La La." His extraordinary musical journey covered three decades, before he was diagnosed with MS and passed away at a relatively young age in 1997. Along the way, he became something of a legend that often obscured the lovely man and his beautiful songs. He has been eulogized by artists like Paul Weller, Oasis, Ride, Ocean Colour Scene, and in 2006, his old Faces’ mate Ian McLagan released an entire CD of Lane songs (Spiritual Boy) in his memory. Lane was also beloved by and influenced American artists as diverse as The Replacements/Paul Westerberg, The Black Crowes, Alejandro Escovedo, and Joe Ely. His solo recordings were made with a succession of bands called Slim Chance, which included the cream of Britain’s folk/rock/r’n’b musicians, as well as contributions from Lane’s dear friends Eric Clapton and Pete Townshend. In September 2006, Townshend reissued an expanded version of the Pete Townshend/Ronnie Lane album Rough Mix (1977).
Just For A Moment, released in October 2006 on Lane Signature Sounds, includes all of Lane’s finest songs–from the hit single "How Come" (1973) through his best album tracks and b-sides released between 1972 and 1980, and including his crowning achievement, the wry "Kuschty Rye." This album coincides with the DVD release of the excellent documentary film, The Passing Show–The Life and Music of Ronnie Lane (Eagle Rock/RED Distribution), and includes much of the music heard in the film.
With all this activity, 2006 may go down as the year that Ronnie Lane finally achieves the acclaim his work has so richly earned, and we’re very proud to present this long overdue compilation of his best works for your listening pleasure and enlightenment.
5/15/06
On May 6, 2006, Pete Townshend has reissued several of his albums in expanded, remixed editions. Included is 1977’s Pete Townshend/Ronnie Lane album Rough Mix, which now includes an extra Townshend tune, "Good Question," and two previously unheard Ronnie Lane compositions: "Silly Little Man" and "Only You." The album is available right now only in Europe on SPV / Revisited Records in a digipak with a booklet, although an American release may be forthcoming.
For more information, click here.
For ordering, you can get it directly from Townshend through the lovely folks at his website: www.eelpie.com
This album has often been described as the career best by both Townshend and Lane. Producer Glyn Johns recently described it as "...the finest album I've ever worked on...." Now it's better than ever.
4/19/06
Here's a link from Pete Townshend’s web site featuring a streaming 16-minute excerpt from the longer version of "The Passing Show," courtesy of the Meher Baba Film Archive.
2/18/06
The Passing Show
Director: Rupert Williams and James Mackie
Cast: Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton, Ian McLagan, Kenney Jones, Joe Ely, Glyn Johns, and many more!
Screening Times
Screening in: 24 Beats Per Second
1:30 PM, Thursday March 16th–Austin Convention Ctr
(everything subject to change)
Documentary Feature
World Premiere
Synopsis:
A comprehensively researched look at Ronnie Lane as an entertainer, songwriter and musician whose creativity was fundamental to the success of the Small Faces and the Faces. Ronnie was viewed with deep affection and occasional exasperation by many, and some of his musical colleagues including Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton, Joe Ely and Jody Denberg have lent their voices to this affectionate musical portrait of Ronnie, who offers his own narration edited from Video and Radio interviews.
Directors' Bios:
James and Rupert have both been working in BBC Post-production for more than fifteen years. This film has been made as a labor of love which started with Rupert's enthusiasm for Ronnie Lane's music since the 70's. The Passing Show is their first major film.
12/20/2005
This from the January 6, 2006 TV Tipsheet.
The Passing Show: The Life and Music of Ronnie Lane
9.00pm, 2.05am BBC4
A profile of influential musician who found fame early at 17 with the Small Faces, before achieving more success with the Faces. After his artistic eccentricity provoked him to abandon the spotlight for more rewarding musical pursuits, he began suffering from multiple sclerosis and died in 1997. Contributors include Eric Clapton, Ian McLagan, Kenney Jones and Pete Townshend.
Followed by Ronnie Lane at the BBC
.12/14/2005
Just a brief note here to accompany the launch of the new Official Ronnie Lane Web Site....don't worry, much more content will be added soon--so check the site often!
